Meet the aliens, droids, and troopers in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

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When you think of Star Wars, you probably think of Jedi and lightsabers. You also probably think of aliens, droids, and troopers, which is why the franchise has such a convincing universe. That Cantina scene from A New Hope is a perfect example of how lush with life the Star Wars universe is.

While we’ve gotten to know a lot of different characters over the years—Yoda, Chewbacca, Jabba the Hutt—it’s time to get acquainted with some new faces. In other words, fans will have many new cosplay options at Comic-Con next summer.

In last year’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Lucasfilm introduced audiences to Maz Kanata, a wise and mysterious figure played by Lupita Nyong’o. And who could forget the cuteness of BB-8? This year, fans of the franchise are going to meet even more memorable characters.

A behind-the-scenes video from earlier this year gave us a solid look at the many faces we’ll see throughout the movie, particularly on planet Jedha. Below, we wanted to focus on a few that will play key roles in the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire.

From a fuzzy mercenary to an amphibious commando, below are the aliens, droids, and troopers you’ll see in December’s Rogue One.

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Pao

Pao looks like a guy I used to know in college. Described as a “fierce commando,” Pao has apparently been known to shout a battle cry when running into battle. In other words, he’s just the kind of guy you want on your side. The picture above shows Pao in the thick of battle, a place he’s no doubt very familiar with.

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Moroff

Moroff almost looks like Chewbacca’s cousin. This Gigoran mercenary doesn’t care about the Empire or the Rebel Alliance. What he cares about is money, and he knows his “brawn and firepower” can earn him a pretty penny. He actively seeks out combat but not out of some moral obligation. Since he’s not affiliated with either side, it’s just a matter of who’s willing to pay for his services.

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Edrio Two Tubes

We got to see our buddy Edrio at Comic-Con over the summer and since then he’s been traveling around the galaxy as a mercenary pilot. Poor Edrio’s home planet of Yar Togna was occupied by the Empire, forcing him to flee. Well, that makes him the perfect pilot-for-hire in the Alliance’s fight against Imperial forces.

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Bistan

Bistan was the star of the behind-the-scenes video Lucasfilm showed off earlier this year. He’s firmly on the side of the Alliance, a warrior who’s made it his goal to free his fellow lakaru from the Empire’s oppression. He has a mean pair of eyebrows, too, which has nothing to do with anything, but still.

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K-2SO

The anti-C-3PO, but no less loyal. K-2SO, played by Alan Tudyk, is a reprogrammed Imperial security droid who is now the imposing sidekick of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna). The fact that he still looks like an Imperial droid makes him perfect for undercover missions, which will be crucial to acquiring the Death Star plans. If you like snark and someone who is almost offensively honest, K-2SO will probably be your favorite new character.

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Shoretroopers

Shoretroopers have one of the most important jobs in all of Rogue One: protecting the secret Imperial military base on Scarif. Legend has it that’s where the Death Star plans are kept. While the planet of Scarif looks like a tropical paradise, these troopers patrol the beaches and bunkers looking for trouble. Which is exactly what they’ll get when the Alliance comes knocking.

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Imperial Death Troopers

They wear specialized armor and serve as bodyguards to Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). Basically, they’re a lot like the secret service of the Star Wars universe. Sure, they may look cool, but if you see a Death Trooper coming, chances are trouble isn’t far behind. Oh, and I’m guessing they’ll be a favorite among cosplayers next year.

Imperial Ground Crew

Imperial installations and vehicles break down too. That’s where the Imperial Ground Crew comes in. Do these guys get their training at an evil trade school? Or are they recruited after they graduate? Whatever the case, their uniforms are perfect for undercover missions, as we saw Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) wearing one on her quest to steal the Death Star plans.

Imperial Combat Assault Tank Commanders

The Imperial Combat Assault Tank Commanders patrol the streets of Jedha, keeping a watchful eye over the planet’s inhabitants. These guys make sure nobody gets out of line, constantly staying in contact with headquarters and providing their superiors with constant updates. Would it kill them to wash their uniform?

Imperial Combat Assault Tank Pilots

Tank pilots spend their days driving and operating the Empire’s fleet of armored repulsor vehicles. That may sound like a glamorous job, but it’s really not. When they’re not peeping out of tanks like an Imperial mole, Tank Pilots can be seen taking order from Tank Commanders.

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C2-B5

He may look like R2-D2 but this astromech droid most definitely is not the charming companion Star Wars fans grew up loving. C2-B5 exists to fix and maintain Imperial machinery—and that’s it. They live tragic lives, subjected to frequent memory wipes and no possibility of independence, unlike their Alliance counterparts.